"A physician father treats all and dies from the illness of his patients." He tells his little daughter, “If someone is drowning you must extend your hand.” His daughter Irena who does not know if she can save herself risks all to rescue 2,500 Jewish children, smuggling many out of the Warsaw ghetto.
Four Kansas teenagers seek the truth of the Holocaust and discover Irena's story of courage. Through correspondence Irena helps them to deal with the illness of their parents and 9/11.
The teenagers produce a play “Life in a Jar” to record their research. The play is enacted in schools over 345 times in the U.S., Poland and Canada. In Poland especially the play opens up discussions of this dark time. Through the play Irena is able to influence many others.
Irena told the teenagers, “After the Second World War it seemed that humanity understood something and nothing similar would happen again.” She added, “Humanity has understood nothing. Religious, tribal, national wars continue. The world continues to be in a sea of blood. The world can be better if there's love, tolerance and humility. Compassion for all people is part of repairing the world.”
Irena did not consider herself a hero and said she had done only a “regular thing.”
Elzbieta Ficowska, a child whom Irena rescued, said, “Irena represents the often forgotten truth that no one should be indifferent. It's particularly the young who need people like Mrs. Schindler.”
Reach out – you can influence others for good no matter your age.
Click HERE to read Irena's story. More inspiring details can be found HERE.
Marguerite Wales, sister of Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ